D-Mom Says: "Kids First, Diabetes Second"

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It is always exciting to see one of "our own" — a diabetes blogger and advocate — find success offline. That's why we're thrilled to announce the publication of a new book, Kids First, Diabetes Secondby Leighann Calentine, the author of D-Mom Blog and mom to Quinn, a 7-year-old PWD who was diagnosed with type 1 four years ago. Like many of us, Leighann started blogging to share support and information, and now she's expanding her supportive efforts through her new book.

Although I'm not a parent of a CWD, I think this book covers the right balance of practical information on tactics and tips for managing diabetes along with how to deal with the emotional burden of raising a child with diabetes. When I was a child growing up with diabetes, I certainly never wanted to be singled out for a disease that I didn't ask for, and I appreciate how my parents tried to make sure I didn't miss out on anything. If you're struggling with how to do that, Leighann definitely has some tips for you.

The book focuses mostly on Leighann's own personal experience. It isn't co-written with a diabetes educator or endocrinologist, so we have to add a caveat that this shouldn't be taken as prescriptive. Like anything written about diabetes — even presented by a medical expert — your diabetes may vary, but since this is written by a non-expert, you should definitely keep that in mind.

But that doesn't mean Leighann doesn't offer lots of help from very experienced folks; she includes a wide array of guest contributors, including diabetes educator Gary Scheiner, life coach Ginger Vieira, D-blogger Kelly Kunik, and also... me! (Disclosure: I'm a contributor to this book.) You'll find me talking about the do's and don'ts of finding a babysitter when your child has diabetes. Other topics Leighann covers include dealing with sick days, holidays and school parties, and coping with the inevitable emotional impact of this stressful and never-ending disease.

While at the recent Children with Diabetes Friends for Life conference, I had the opportunity to sit down with Leighann and Quinn, where we talked about Leighann's inspiration for writing a book and her advice for other parents. And don't miss the part where Quinn chimes in with her own words of wisdom for other kids with diabetes!

The DMBooks Giveaway

Once again we're giving you the chance to win a free copy of our latest book reviewed. We have two copies of Kids First, Diabetes Second to give away, so if you'd like to win one, check out the instructions below.

Entering the giveaway is as easy as leaving a comment!

Here's what to do:

1. Post your comment below and include the codeword "DMBooks" somewhere in the comment (beginning, end, in parenthesis, in bold, whatever). That will let us know that you would like to be entered in the giveaway. You can still leave a comment without entering, but if you want to be considered to win the book, please remember to include "DMBooks."

2. You have until Friday, July 20, at 5pm PST to enter. A valid email address is required to win.

4. The winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on Monday, July 23, so make sure you're following us! We like to feature our winners in upcoming blog posts, too.

The giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere. Best of luck!

This contest is now closed.

Disclaimer: Content created by the Diabetes Mine team. For more
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Disclaimer

This content is created for Diabetes Mine, a consumer health blog focused on the diabetes community.
The content is not medically reviewed and doesn't adhere to Healthline's editorial guidelines.
For more information about Healthline's partnership with Diabetes Mine, please click here.

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Can't wait to read this book (DMBooks!!!!!!), as we approach the end of our first year, find myself wondering how to handle lots of new things coming in kindergarten for our T1!!

Carrie|2012-07-16

DMBooks. My daughter loves reading and watching Q and her mom online. This book would a great surprise!

Melissa|2012-07-16

DMBooks. I would love to have a chance to win this book! I can think of many people I would pass this along to after I read it!

Sherri|2012-07-16

My daughter is type 1 and I would love to have this DMBooks.

kristina|2012-07-16

Would love to win a copy of Leighann's book! My daughter and I love Q and her Mom! Thank you for the chance! (DMBooks)

amy|2012-07-16

We are thankful for the d-mom blog, it is helpful to our d-family everyday. So glad Leighann now has a book! (DMBooks)

Jennifer|2012-07-16

DMBooks I would love to get a copy. My cousin's son was diagnosed recently and being a single mom, I'm sure she would love the additional insight.

Jolene Woolley|2012-07-16

We've almost made it through to our first Diaversary (July 25). I still have so much to learn and I can't wait to read this book! (DMBooks)

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We've been at this for almost 3 years. Would love a copy of the book!DMBooksJenn and Ella (9 T1D)

Natasha Wheeler|2012-07-16

DSM BOOKS awesome video!

SJ|2012-07-16

I'm very interested in reading this book! DMBooks

Vicki|2012-07-16

DM books. Will be good hearing it from a mother's point of view.

Lori|2012-07-16

DMBooks I like books that address the social/emotional aspects of living with T1D.

David|2012-07-17

I love to see books like these written by non-professionals. It gives us all a fresh look at the daily lives of those who have to suffer under the ravages of a disease that is not fun to think about. I like to hear the perspective of the actual people and families that have to deal with this problem - as well as the unique ways they find to cope. Sometimes the precious tidbits of information that are found are just what someone needs and you may not find such gems in a strictly'professional' book. Thanks for reporting on this

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Katrina Huckabay|2012-07-17

We would love to read and review Kids first, Diabetes second! Dmbooks

Julie|2012-07-17

DMbooks. Sounds like a wonderful book with lots of helpful info! Thanks for the give away :-)

Jessica Vargo|2012-07-17

DMBOOKS - I am really excited to read this book, as an Outreach Manager at JDRF, I would love to read this book and encourage our families to checkout your book. DMBOOKS!